What a week - and a very well done one at that. My hats off to the team that made this week possible - Pam, Julia, Deanna and all the rest. Been attending this event now for 8 years and this was hands down the best one ever. Hard to imagine it continuing to get better each year - but somehow it has and I am very thankful for the many hours and days and months that are put in to making the experience so valuable and enjoyable.
That really is a trick - making it valuable - but also keeping it enjoyable. There was lots of content this week - maybe a bit too much as there was really no way to figure out which of the hundreds of sessions to attend. I was involved in presenting in three, and the crowds were a bit light considering how many folks were in attendance. But having lots of choice was obvious and there was something available for everyone. If you didn't get value from the content - it was definitely your fault.
For me - the week is all about relationships. And it really is based around community. My week started actually ahead of the official open of WPC - with the SMB IPAB - a partner advisory board made up of folks worldwide who are focused on serving small business. We had a great day together tackling issues that are specific to our businesses. Danielle, Mark, Turi and team have given us a great community to be part of as we carry the torch for the SMB partners. I have grown to appreciate the partners in our group very much - and appreciate that community.
Each morning I had devotions with a group of partners and took some time to get out of the chaos to get grounded and focused on what matters. We have been doing devotions daily for the last three years, and while a small group of 10-12 show up, that community is critical to keeping me focused and on track all week. We shouldn't turn off our spiritual walk just because we leave the office. Besides - a 7AM devotional time keeps people from staying out too late!
Of course attending any conference is more fun when you know folks and are part of community together. I can honestly say that part of the reason I enjoy WPC so much is that I get to meet with fellow members of HTG who are all over the place. Our orange and green shirts make it pretty easy to find one another (except for the folks from the Netherlands who seem to like orange too). Had a couple great dinners with the HTG folks and enjoyed every interaction. But it is very different going to WPC today compared to 8 years ago when I knew no one. Those were some lonely days - but motivated me to become involved in community.
SBSC may not have been center stage this year - but definitely had a presence with the yellow lounge and other places. Lots of relationships from that community which are valuable and makes it easier to feel part of this mass of people moving around WPC. Those friendships may only be renewed once a year, but it is awesome to be part of that community. Hats off to those who helped keep SBSC through the MPN transistion. Community matters, and SBSC really has an important mission. Probably does need a bit of a facelift - but there is a passionate set of partners on that advisory council that are committed to help drive it to the next level.
Last but not least for me - is the Microsoft employee community. I am blessed to know literally hundreds of folks who go to work every day for Microsoft. And they are just plain good people. We talk some business - but in most of my conversations - we also talk some life. Often we partners forget that folks who work for Microsoft or any vendor for that matter - are not the enemy - they are folks just like us that are trying to make ends meet at the end of the month. They have personal struggles and fight the same battles we do. Rather than spend time beating on them for a few bucks or trying to drive a point of margin out of the deal - how about asking them how they and their family are doing? How about treating them like the real partner they are? We lose sight of why we are in business some days. For me anyway, it is not just about making another buck. It is about living life with folks in a way that adds value to their life. It is about understanding their problems and struggles and offering any help I can give. It is about being a go giver rather than a taker. All in all I find the Microsoft people to be wonderful folks that want the same things we all do - life, love and happiness. They aren't out to take advantage of anyone - they just want to do their job and pay their mortgage like you and me.
So WPC has been a wonderful week. It doesn't just happen and serving on the WPC PEB has been an eye opener for me this year. I have been blessed to be part of a community of partners and a Microsoft team that are passionate about delivering unbelievable value to all attendees. That really is the bottom line. This event - all 14,000 plus - is all about people. The WPC team gets that and works hard to meet every one of those attendee needs. But as attendees, we need to also be part of serving one another and making sure that everyone who attends is not alone, left out, or lost in the chaos. It is all about people and relationships. I hope everyone has made some new friends this week. I sure have, and look forward to connecting and then coming next year to participate in LA as part of an even bigger community! Thanks Microsoft - for an awesome week!
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Friday, July 16, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
What Kind Of Community Member Are You?
There are many different communities available today for partners in the IT channel. Distributors have them - VTN, Tech Select, Varnex, SMBA and the like. Industry groups have them like ASCII and CompTIA. Vendors have them like ConnectWise and Autotask and Microsoft SBSC and dozens of others. Peer group organizations take it to a new level like HTG, TPG, Taylor Business Groups and others. There is no shortage of places for partners to plug in and be in community.
And honestly, after 25 years in the IT world, there is nothing with more power to change a business or a life than being part of a vibrant community. Community works. It changes people and businesses. And the reality is that it is one of the few real ways to see consistent and repeatable growth happen.
One of the things I have heard somewhat regularly relates to the value of communities. It seems some have the perception that they have learned all they can from their peers in the community they belong to. First of all, I highly doubt that to be the case. There is always more we can learn. But once the focus moves to self and what they get out of it, all of a sudden the rules change. Since business is doing so much better, and in some cases companies are really doing well now, some are not sure it is worth the time to come and continue to participate in their community any longer. They have got all they believe they can squeeze out of their participation so off they ride into the sunset.
When I have these conversations – I realize there has been a failure to communicate. Community, and certainly HTG, is NOT ABOUT YOU taking what you want from others. Community is about giving what you know to others. It is about sharing life. When is it time for you to move on from your community? Here are the short things I would have on that list:
1. You have given all you know and helped every member in your patch apply and be successful with it
2. You have clearly defined your business, leadership, life and legacy plans and shared that with all stakeholders so they have understanding
3. You are executing as a CEO thinker and not mired down in the day to day problems and issues
4. You have reached your goals, achieved your dreams, accomplished what you believe is most important
Having a great quarter, signing a big contract, selling more than ever before, enjoying success at the moment – those are all great things and definitely part of any community's mission. But that isn’t the end game. The question is – have you given all you can in a way that helps every person you touch become much better because they know you? Are you pouring your life into the important things – your spouse, family, relationship with God and anything else you say is important? DO you LIVE the way you talk? Vision without execution applies just as equally in areas of life and leadership as it does in achieving your business plan.
As you attend whatever community events you are part of – I hope you will come with a focus on WHAT CAN YOU GIVE rather than what you are going to take away. If everyone comes with that as their primary objective, we can all experience a time that will be unparalleled in industry history. If we come focused on sucking everything possible out of those we touch, it will just be another event. Put your focus on the giving. The receiving will take care of itself. Being a Go-Giver requires us to focus on the other person - not me, myself and I. Are you living that way? If so, I seriously doubt it is time to move on quite yet. You still have a lot of work to do in the community you are part of!
And honestly, after 25 years in the IT world, there is nothing with more power to change a business or a life than being part of a vibrant community. Community works. It changes people and businesses. And the reality is that it is one of the few real ways to see consistent and repeatable growth happen.
One of the things I have heard somewhat regularly relates to the value of communities. It seems some have the perception that they have learned all they can from their peers in the community they belong to. First of all, I highly doubt that to be the case. There is always more we can learn. But once the focus moves to self and what they get out of it, all of a sudden the rules change. Since business is doing so much better, and in some cases companies are really doing well now, some are not sure it is worth the time to come and continue to participate in their community any longer. They have got all they believe they can squeeze out of their participation so off they ride into the sunset.
When I have these conversations – I realize there has been a failure to communicate. Community, and certainly HTG, is NOT ABOUT YOU taking what you want from others. Community is about giving what you know to others. It is about sharing life. When is it time for you to move on from your community? Here are the short things I would have on that list:
1. You have given all you know and helped every member in your patch apply and be successful with it
2. You have clearly defined your business, leadership, life and legacy plans and shared that with all stakeholders so they have understanding
3. You are executing as a CEO thinker and not mired down in the day to day problems and issues
4. You have reached your goals, achieved your dreams, accomplished what you believe is most important
Having a great quarter, signing a big contract, selling more than ever before, enjoying success at the moment – those are all great things and definitely part of any community's mission. But that isn’t the end game. The question is – have you given all you can in a way that helps every person you touch become much better because they know you? Are you pouring your life into the important things – your spouse, family, relationship with God and anything else you say is important? DO you LIVE the way you talk? Vision without execution applies just as equally in areas of life and leadership as it does in achieving your business plan.
As you attend whatever community events you are part of – I hope you will come with a focus on WHAT CAN YOU GIVE rather than what you are going to take away. If everyone comes with that as their primary objective, we can all experience a time that will be unparalleled in industry history. If we come focused on sucking everything possible out of those we touch, it will just be another event. Put your focus on the giving. The receiving will take care of itself. Being a Go-Giver requires us to focus on the other person - not me, myself and I. Are you living that way? If so, I seriously doubt it is time to move on quite yet. You still have a lot of work to do in the community you are part of!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Not all Communities are Created Equal
This is the second blog post based on the content shared with the HTG and Ingram SMBA group last week in Charlotte. Today’s topic is about the need for a variety of community experiences.
Not all Communities are Created Equal
There are many different types of communities that are available for technology companies to participate in today. They serve a variety of purposes and actually are very complimentary in many ways. You can’t select one from each area, but you should likely be involved in several of these if you truly want to grow your company. Here are some of the communities that are available for you to participate in. Try them out, find what works, and then get involved. There are definite values each bring to the table. But thinking about community doesn’t do a thing for you. You have to get involved. And the more you do, the more you give, the more you will receive in return.
Distributor Communities
Organizations like Ingram's VTN or SMBA focus on high level strategy and executive vendor relationships. At these events and meetings you are exposed to great content from the best speakers available. The rooms are often filled with executives from around the industry and it is one of the best places to connect with many vendors at one time. They also bring many exclusive offers to their members and work to connect members to the many resources they provide.
Vendor Communities
Many vendors have communities that are often focused around events. ConnectWise does this really well. These communities are typically a mix of content around the vendor’s products and services with some general industry content sprinkled in as well. These types of communities are valuable in that they allow you to get very specific answers to questions regarding specific items from both the vendor and their partners as well. You are able to rub shoulders with people using the exact products you use and can get specific on how to leverage your investment to the max.
Peer Group Communities
Many peer groups like HTG focus on execution and skill building. These peer communities are often the deepest and require the most openness as financial disclosure and full transparency are often the basis of going deep together. Most peer groups play a “peer board review” type of role where they are working in each other’s businesses and lives. HTG has a very focused mission - to help our members grow by teaching them business skills, driving execution and benchmarking performance.
User Group Communities
User groups are normally focused on specific technologies. These groups are typically laser focused on practice building around that technology and look at all angles related to success. User groups bring big value to members by helping resolve technical issues, giving ideas that are specific to selling or marketing the technology, and bringing together expertise around this technology.
Partnering Communities
Groups like IAMCP or Ingram’s IMSN focus on sharing of business opportunities and sharing work. This type of community attempts to bring together partners that have different specializations so they have the opportunity to pass and receive leads from complimentary partners. As the world shrinks and the economy becomes global, we see more and more partners leveraging others to fulfill work on their behalf both at home and in different geographies.
Summary
So there is an opportunity for partners to participate in many different communities as each has value to add to the mix. Each company needs to evaluate which communities can help move them toward success for their organization’s needs. Pick one or two or more, and then get involved – deeply involved. HTG encourages participation in other groups like outlined above while we fulfill the specific business needs of our members and stay true to our mission. No one community can meet all the needs out there, so find those that fit your company and get started today.
Not all Communities are Created Equal
There are many different types of communities that are available for technology companies to participate in today. They serve a variety of purposes and actually are very complimentary in many ways. You can’t select one from each area, but you should likely be involved in several of these if you truly want to grow your company. Here are some of the communities that are available for you to participate in. Try them out, find what works, and then get involved. There are definite values each bring to the table. But thinking about community doesn’t do a thing for you. You have to get involved. And the more you do, the more you give, the more you will receive in return.
Distributor Communities
Organizations like Ingram's VTN or SMBA focus on high level strategy and executive vendor relationships. At these events and meetings you are exposed to great content from the best speakers available. The rooms are often filled with executives from around the industry and it is one of the best places to connect with many vendors at one time. They also bring many exclusive offers to their members and work to connect members to the many resources they provide.
Vendor Communities
Many vendors have communities that are often focused around events. ConnectWise does this really well. These communities are typically a mix of content around the vendor’s products and services with some general industry content sprinkled in as well. These types of communities are valuable in that they allow you to get very specific answers to questions regarding specific items from both the vendor and their partners as well. You are able to rub shoulders with people using the exact products you use and can get specific on how to leverage your investment to the max.
Peer Group Communities
Many peer groups like HTG focus on execution and skill building. These peer communities are often the deepest and require the most openness as financial disclosure and full transparency are often the basis of going deep together. Most peer groups play a “peer board review” type of role where they are working in each other’s businesses and lives. HTG has a very focused mission - to help our members grow by teaching them business skills, driving execution and benchmarking performance.
User Group Communities
User groups are normally focused on specific technologies. These groups are typically laser focused on practice building around that technology and look at all angles related to success. User groups bring big value to members by helping resolve technical issues, giving ideas that are specific to selling or marketing the technology, and bringing together expertise around this technology.
Partnering Communities
Groups like IAMCP or Ingram’s IMSN focus on sharing of business opportunities and sharing work. This type of community attempts to bring together partners that have different specializations so they have the opportunity to pass and receive leads from complimentary partners. As the world shrinks and the economy becomes global, we see more and more partners leveraging others to fulfill work on their behalf both at home and in different geographies.
Summary
So there is an opportunity for partners to participate in many different communities as each has value to add to the mix. Each company needs to evaluate which communities can help move them toward success for their organization’s needs. Pick one or two or more, and then get involved – deeply involved. HTG encourages participation in other groups like outlined above while we fulfill the specific business needs of our members and stay true to our mission. No one community can meet all the needs out there, so find those that fit your company and get started today.
Friday, July 11, 2008
WPC is wrapped
The week is done and I am glad - pooped out and ready to go home for some rest. WPC 2008 was a great event. I have to admit that meetings took up most of my time. I did make a couple keynotes but normally I was in the Connect area with another partner or Microsoft blue badge talking about the future or the past. There is no place like WPC to connect with people that are part of this industry. Great place to talk with other vendors and media too - most of the relevant technology players are in town for this event every year.
That said - I do want to say that the most important stuff happened in a couple of areas sort of disconnected from WPC. The first was around community. HTG members gathered here Sunday to start a next level of our peer program. And throughout the week I was blessed to spend time with a number of HTG members and participate at parties, celebrating birthdays, praying together - lots of interaction with people that are part of the community. The yellow lounge was a long way from the action this year and it really hurt connecting from my perspective. People love community and come to this event to experience some of that. I hope next year the lounge for SMB and SBSC can be much closer to the action and really let us connect again.
The most exciting thing for me was the few spiritual activities that happened. While some may say we have to separate our spiritual life from our business life to be politically correct - I don't think that is true or even possible really. Life is about a lot more than EBITDA and certifications. We are made up of our physical, emotional and spiritual parts and to try and isolate it and pretend it doesn't exist just doesn't cut it for me. Sunday morning we had a small gathering for HTG members who were in early to discuss the life of Joseph. Brad Schow led the discussion. Tuesday morning a group of us met on the second floor of the convention center to pray. And then on Wednesday - we had our first annual Partners in Christ prayer breakfast. Over 50 in attenance which is a great start and will be continued next year. Rather than share the details I encourage you to check out Mark Crall's blog where he captures it well. http://sbsc.techcareteam.com/ is the link to not only get another perspective but also some notes on the speaker for the day.
WPC was an awesome event. The party at Minute Maid stadium was loud and filled with games and food - but the real value of this event is the people. Lots of great introductions, plenty of reunions and refreshing discussions - people are what the industry really is all about. I am glad to be able to participate. See you in New Orleans in 2009!`
That said - I do want to say that the most important stuff happened in a couple of areas sort of disconnected from WPC. The first was around community. HTG members gathered here Sunday to start a next level of our peer program. And throughout the week I was blessed to spend time with a number of HTG members and participate at parties, celebrating birthdays, praying together - lots of interaction with people that are part of the community. The yellow lounge was a long way from the action this year and it really hurt connecting from my perspective. People love community and come to this event to experience some of that. I hope next year the lounge for SMB and SBSC can be much closer to the action and really let us connect again.
The most exciting thing for me was the few spiritual activities that happened. While some may say we have to separate our spiritual life from our business life to be politically correct - I don't think that is true or even possible really. Life is about a lot more than EBITDA and certifications. We are made up of our physical, emotional and spiritual parts and to try and isolate it and pretend it doesn't exist just doesn't cut it for me. Sunday morning we had a small gathering for HTG members who were in early to discuss the life of Joseph. Brad Schow led the discussion. Tuesday morning a group of us met on the second floor of the convention center to pray. And then on Wednesday - we had our first annual Partners in Christ prayer breakfast. Over 50 in attenance which is a great start and will be continued next year. Rather than share the details I encourage you to check out Mark Crall's blog where he captures it well. http://sbsc.techcareteam.com/ is the link to not only get another perspective but also some notes on the speaker for the day.
WPC was an awesome event. The party at Minute Maid stadium was loud and filled with games and food - but the real value of this event is the people. Lots of great introductions, plenty of reunions and refreshing discussions - people are what the industry really is all about. I am glad to be able to participate. See you in New Orleans in 2009!`
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